Myrna Litt’s 9/5 Photo Report

I’d like to welcome our newest staff member, Myrna Litt to Disneyland News Today. She will regularly be at the Disneyland Resort to bring us the latest photo updates. Here is Myrna’s first ever photo report for DLNT from September 5th:

Disneyland was empty at Noon on the 5th.

The Carnation Cafe bathrooms have re-opened after a little re-modeling.

Here’s a little It’s a Small World construction update.

The water tower at the Toontown Train Station has been repainted.

The handles have been removed from this clock on Main Street.

The Haunted Mansion is closed through September 25th for its conversion to Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Apparently the Haunted Mansion Holiday clock is behind this cloth.

Here you can see one of the Disneyland Railroad trains passing by the closed New Orleans Square Railroad Station.

The area surrounding Pirates of the Caribbean was empty… A rare sight indeed.

As of the 5th, the Conestoga Wagon still has all of the McDonalds references intact.

Space Mountain’s wait was very short, much like with my trip on the 2nd.

Actually, very short waits through-out the park.

The Mickey Pumpkin is being installed, & I think some other stuff is going on in preparation for the artificial Christmas tree this year.

09/04/08 WDW Photo Update by Jason Diffendal

Staff member Jason Diffendal of WDWCelebrations.com has provided us with some very interesting pictures from around WDW during his latest trip. Let’s take a look at a few newsworthy items:

Starting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new Night of Joy event logo has taken over the entrance billboard. I really like the new logo, something about those colors…

The stage in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat is almost ready for the Night(s) of Joy.

While the temporary stage is set, High School Musical 2: School’s Out will be performing on the Streets of America. This shows final performance is going to be September 13th, with the updated High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now! show to debut on October 24th.

Work on something continues at the end of Sunset Blvd.

Mouse About Town, Once Upon a Time, and Sunset Club Couture (Sunset Blvd. Shops) have all closed to be refurbished and change over to selling just clothing. This is a horrible decision, which moves the watchmaker into the Art of Disney over in the Animation Courtyard and leaves the park with more limited options when it comes to collectibles and home goods. It appears the restrooms next door are also closed at this time.

Moving over to Epcot, wait times make the off-season seem a little more off this year.

“These wait times look so good, I want one!”

Food and Wine Festival preparation outside the American Adventure

The Morocco gallery is closed while a new exhibit is added. The new exhibit will open on September 25.

Epcot rushing together the International Food & Wine Festival, which begins September 26.

Exterior work continues on the United Kingdom pavilion.

Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Liberty Bell in Liberty Square

Work on the Fantasyland facades continues, now expanded onto Tinker Bell’s Treasures

Even though the new Liberty Square bridge is complete, work continues in the waters below it.

More columns around Main Street U.S.A. are being painted. Wonder how many average guests even noticed this one…

Even the napkins are getting into the Halloween spirit this year.

We end this special report with a Halloween cup you could get next time you buy a Coke at WDW. Thanks for the report Jason!

What’s This? New Halloween Outfits

Here’s a quick look at the new costumes that Disney’s most famous couples will be sporting this halloween during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Donald and Daisy Duck

John Corigliano’s WDW Photo Update 8/31-9/1/08

WDWNT is back from the not-so-crowded Walt Disney World theme parks with another fantastic photo report. Let’s take a look at all the newsworthy happenings from around the world:

Starting at Disney’s hollywood Studios, this special stage has been set up for the Night of Joy events

Construction on the American Idol Experience

They are painting the entire building in a new blue color-scheme

This is where the old poster that featured a few ABC shows such as Good Morning America used to be.

A few color changes on the tower.

Not sure what this is, signage perhaps?

A few more of the statues have been removed.

We expect this exhibit to make a move to somewhere else in the studios soon…

A Bolt billboard up in Animation Courtyard.

As previously reported, Single Rider has been removed from Toy Story Midway Mania.

The current Cars character meet-and-greet by Pixar Place…

The new meet-and-greet being constructed where Al’s Toy Barn was. Looks like it will have some pretty cool, recognizable, movie inspired theming. 

A nice looking Tapestry Woven Throw.

And here’s a new Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tapestry Woven Throw.

You can’t see it all that well in this picture, but the Osbourne lights are starting to be put up.

You can get a better look at the lights in this picture.

The Muppet Vision 3-D balloon is still down on the Streets of America.

More painting on the opposite side of the American Idol Experience building.

The limo is back up on the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster sign.

The attraction was closed for 4 hours due to technical difficulties… A rare sight indeed!

Moving over to Epcot… Innoventions might as well be called Construction Land, as there have been so many new projects going on there lately.

This is where the IBM exhibit used to be.

The IBM logo is still there.

We’re less than a month away from this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

Another rare sight, the Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood outside the American Adventure!

This sign at Soarin’ could use some fixing up.

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Halloween Decorations are now up at the Magic Kingdom

New statues around the hub on Main Street U.S.A.

They even light up in certain places at night

Banners up at the majestic train station.

Banners on the side of the Exposition Hall.

The Exposition Hall.

City Hall.

Work is still being done on these columns outside the Emporium.

Halloween decorations inside the Emporium.

Very, very short wait times for the Magic Kingdom

The off-season is here

The Liberty Square bridge is one again open to guest flow & parades. It looks pretty good.

However work is still going on in the water beneath the bridge.

New concrete in Liberty Square

The Liberty Bell is behind walls.

They’re working on wiring by & beneath the McDonalds Fry Cart in Frontierland. It’s been going on for 7 months now.

They have repainted the castle stone wall above Snow White’s Scary Adventures (the light tone wall). It looks much better in my opinion.

Same work being done on the Mickey’s PhilharMagic facade.

A funky new Mickey Mouse shirt.

A cool new shirt for the 15th anniversary of Nightmare Before Christmas.

Construction on the new north wing of the Contemporary Resort.

And to cap off this photo report, a billboard advertising T-Rex (and new employees) on the way to Walt Disney World.

8/30/08 Adam Roth Epcot Mini-Update

Here is a fantastic mini-Epcot photo update provided by our own Adam Roth of WDWCelebrations:

As first reported on WDW News Today, the new food and beverage guest testing station near the entrance of Epcot is almost ready for use

Many of you may remember this as the area for the Leave a Legacy sales and information desk

This may also be used to sign-up for the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

Adam made a trip to the Epcot: Creating the New World of Tomorrow exhibit

Not only does the timeline outside the exhibit just mark the 25th anniversary, it now reminds guests that Marty Sklar re-dedicated the park on that day.

Half of this beautiful map is now in the dark.

Looks like the lighting got knocked out of place

The Speech Ray Bradbury gave to the Imagineers building Epcot

Notice the picture features the original layout proposed for Epcot

Innoventions has become a sea of walls, with both the IBM and video game exhibits now closed

Phelps-Mania Takes Over the World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (August 29, 2008) – Direct from the Beijing Games where he won a record eight Gold Medals, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated his unprecedented achievement with an all-American homecoming parade in his honor at Walt Disney World Resort.

In a star-spangled salute amidst confetti and thousands of flag-waving fans in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps was honored for his record-setting wins and for the spirit in which he captivated the world in his quest for Gold.

The 23-year-old from Baltimore beamed as he rode through the park alongside Mickey Mouse, waving to fans who chanted his name.  Magic Kingdom guests joined in “America’s Homecoming Parade” for the swimmer who broke records in each event he entered in Beijing.  

For Phelps, who also was honored in Disney parades at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California following the 2004 Summer Games, it was a sweet homecoming to the United States and to see fans who supported him in his quest for Gold in Beijing.

“I am so happy to celebrate here and see some of the fans who supported me,” said Phelps. “It’s great to feel so much excitement around the sport of swimming in the U.S. and around the world.  To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible.” 

During his celebration in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps also took time to meet a group of local swimmers from the central Florida area.  The aspiring young swimmers had the chance to talk with Phelps, ask about his record-breaking experiences and see the Gold Medals he won in Beijing.

Phelps’ celebration at Walt Disney World is planned to be the next feature on his wildly popular Facebook.com page.  Phelps, one of the most popular public figures on the social networking site, has nearly 1.5 million Facebook “fans” who have subscribed to receive his latest news and updates.  Phelps said he plans to offer photographs and video of his Walt Disney World visit on his Facebook.com site.

Phelps, who has announced he will train for the 2012 Games, now owns the record for most Gold Medals in a single event (8) and for a career (14).

8/24/08 Studios Update from Studios Central

The great Disney’s Hollywood Studios focused website StudiosCentral has a new photo report up today. Here are some newsworthy photos:

The single rider line from Toy Story Midway Mania is gone. Expect Fastpass for this attraction to be leaving in the not-so-distant future.

Some strange Orange and Red lights have appeared on top of the strange bridge on Pixar Place

Stage 1 has a new sign telling guests preparation for a new production has begun. This is rumored to be the location where the Monsters Inc. roller coaster is going.

Preparation continues for the American Idol Experience at the Studios. Installation of the proposed jumbo-screens to broadcast the live shows should begin in early September.

Is it just me, or does this area of the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure seem a little more “buggy” now that it is out from behind construction walls?

More and more busts from the ATAS Hall of Fame are preparing to make a move. Again, this is more preparation for the American Idol Experience.

Work continues on the new Cars character meet and greet location.

Ad for the Tinker Bell movie at the end of Pixar Place, near the Backlot Tour.

To see more photos, head on over to the StudiosCentral photo report HERE.

“Big Time”-Stamp

Apparently, there are some more changes to the fastpass system at the Walt Disney World Resort on the way. Notice in the picture below that they have moved the date stamp on some fastpasses (as well as the addition of a the year of distribution) right underneath the redemption time, as well as greatly improved the size of the text. This is yet another step towards decreasing Fastpass fraud on WDW attractions. One might just wonder why they just don’t start scanning the tickets….

A special thanks to Matpez on the WDW News Today Forums for the report which you can read and respond to HERE.

Kim Possible Coming Back

As first reported by WDW News Today and the WDW News Today Podcast, it is now official that the interactive Kim Possible experience at Epcot is returning this year:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible.  The new experience is slated to premiere in late 2008.

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As guests embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator,” at kiosks throughout Epcot.  The interactive, handheld device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission.  Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world.  The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside theWorld Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of theWorld Showcase pavilions: MexicoNorwayChinaGermanyJapanFrance andUnited Kingdom.  Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.

“Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an example of a next generation attraction that offers fun and excitement for the entire family,” said Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president. “We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio.”

“Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices,” added Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering.  “As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”

Epcot is a place of innovation, imagination, human achievement and endless possibilities.  The park encompasses two “lands” of discovery: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology, and World Showcase, a kaleidoscope of nations celebrating cultural heritage, arts and entertainment.  For more information, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will open at Walt Disney World Resort during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration. 

A worldwide hit for kids and families, Disney’s “Kim Possible” is an Emmy Award-winning animated series from creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and Walt Disney Television Animation.  It tells the story of an average high school cheerleader, Kim Possible, who, in her spare time, happens to save the world from super villains.  With the aid of her enthusiastic pals, this contemporary heroine is capable in ways few high school students ever imagine.  On the flipside, she realizes that defeating the bad guys comes easier than coping with the typical teen pressures of schooling and socializing.  Viewers’ connection to “Kim Possible” led to a successful off-TV franchise for The Walt Disney Company including Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable characters at Disney Parks &  Resorts, DVDs, books, video games and Disney Consumer Product’s line of “Kim  Possible” branded products available at mass retailers  nationwide.

Mickey and Minnie Get New Halloween Costumes

In an official press release today:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look.  Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball.  Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.

For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon — bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.

Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular.  There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.

Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.  To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

This costume change comes as no surprise, as a number of upcoming Disney pins show off the new costumes, as well as the new pumpkin decorations that will be coming to the Magic Kingdom this year: